Members appointed to the Town Center Task Force include Steve Cox (Chair), Adam Bettcher (Vice Chair), Ronald Skinner, Sarah Bayle, Jerry Osborn, Linda Rogers, Victor Eskenazi, Joe Mustach, Wade Heyer, Marie Landsverk and Mike Lavigne. Councilmembers Doug McCardle and Laura Sonmore will serve as City Council liaisons.
The Task Force’s first meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10 in the Council Chambers at Interim City Hall, 6100 219th Street SW. The Task Force will serve to bring the community together to discuss the wants and needs of residents and Mountlake Terrace business owners and balance them with development feasibility to help generate economic development.
Since the Town Center Plan was adopted, the city has experienced many changes including more transit facilities, turnover of businesses in the Town Center, a recession and recovery, and changing demographics. These changes have all impacted our community. Given these changes and the anticipated changes ahead, the City Council has determined that a comprehensive re-evaluation of the Town Center Plan and Economic Vitality Strategy are a priority this year. The City Council would like to work with the community to reflect on and assess what is working well, what is not working well and what the possibilities are for the Town Center in addition to other areas of the community.
Over the next several months, the Task Force is expected to make recommendations for updates to existing codes and standards for the Planning Commission and City Council to consider. Consideration of possible changes to the plan could include expanding the Town Center core, increases in building height and residential density, and additional incentives to encourage redevelopment. Any changes would require amendments to Town Center development regulations and building and site design standards to implement plan updates as well as amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
A webpage on the city’s website has been created at www.cityofmlt.com/1936. The webpage is an informational resource and allows signup to receive notice of activities and meetings. The City Council invites everyone to participate in the process and provide input for the updated plan. For more information about the Town Center Plan, please contact Community and Economic Development Services at (425) 744-6207.
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